Two days ago, I wrote about the phrase ‘good Muslims’ – based on Pauline Hanson and her critics. In response I have had a flood of correspondence, and I’d like to share some of that with you.
Susie writes to say that (as demonstrated by Rowan Dean on Sky News) ‘Pauline’s comments were edited and taken out of the context of the point she was making about the Islamic issue.’ (Andew Bolt made the same point in his column in the Daily Telegraph yesterday.)
Basically, I argued in my column that Islam is two things, not just one thing—it is BOTH a religion AND a political ideology.
I was suggesting that there is nothing concerning in the RELIGION of Islam (pray five times a day, fast during Ramadan etc.) but that we should be concerned about the anti-democratic, authoritarian nature of POLITICAL Islam.
However, Jean-Jacques wrote to say: ‘Problem with your explanation, both sides are united under the Koran which many times speaks of Jihad.’
Garry wrote to say: ‘It really annoys me how they are always waiting to jump on anything Pauline says. I am no scholar and I haven’t read the Koran, but this is how I perceive what she meant: if you were a true Muslim, you would follow the Koran, and the Koran hates Western Society so then how can there be a Good Muslim in our world? The bloody press just takes the whole thing out of context because it is Pauline. Anyway, I’ve now got it off my chest!’
Aileen writes: ‘Thanks Kel, it makes perfect sense, but I think there must be many who embrace both religious and ideological Islam. What is the most correct way to spell Qur’an? Is it Koran or Quran or Qur’an or are they equally acceptable?’ The answer is that in translating Arabic script into our Latin alphabet there is no precise equivalence, so both spellings are okay.
Jan wrote: ‘Well explained Kel. I learned from your email. (Unfortunately, it appears the good Muslims are intimidated by the political side of Islam).’
And, finally, Brian writes: ‘Hi Kel, you nailed it exactly as it is mate. Mohamad's biography is interestingly weird... Thanks for being a voice for the silent majority.’
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